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Matter of Conscience (Halal Meat Example)


With the influx of refugees and immigrants from Islamic countries, Muslim communities are growing throughout the United States. Similar to Jewish kosher laws, Islamic law (shariah law) has its dietary requirements. One requirement is meat must be slaughtered according to certain ritual and standards making it halal.

According to "Halal is an Arabic word that means “permissible.” In terms of food, it means food that is permissible according to Islamic law. For meat to be certified “halal,” it cannot be a forbidden cut (such as meat from hindquarters) or animal (such as pork.)" You can find the requirements here: As you read, the halal process involves pronouncing Allah's name during the slaughter making it a defacto sacrifice. So, is halal meat permissible to Christians who are commanded to "not eat meat offered to idols" (Acts 15:20)? Or does this fall under Apostle Paul's "Matters of Conscience" (1 Corinthians 8, 10)? This is a fascinating and challenging discussion!

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